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Childcare: What are the best options for your family?
Although most of us don't like to think about the day that we'll need to turn our precious bundle over to a caretaker while we rejoin the workforce, for most parents it's an inevitable and important decision that needs to be carefully evaluated well in advance.
The best time to think about and choose childcare, if possible, is during pregnancy while you have plenty of months to plan both mentally and financially.
One of the biggest expenses parents face, childcare can range from $100 to a whopping $1000 per week.
Determine your budget in advance of research and remember to factor in the cost and time spent on meals, toiletries and transportation.




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One option that was omitted is hourly childcare. If you work part-time or are looking for work, there are places like Kidspark that can let you interview or go on some errands. They are pretty affordable (7.50 per child), and we’ve used them for about a year now. Even if we just want to go to a movie or dinner, it’s a convenient option. Some of our sitters aren’t very reliable.